Greater Manchester Italian restaurant named best in England

Giuliano, an Italian restaurant in Handforth, Cheshire, near Greater Manchester, has been crowned the Best Restaurant in England at the prestigious England Business Awards.

The announcement was made on Sunday, 17 November, during a ceremony held in Birmingham.

Competing against ten regional finalists, Giuliano impressed judges with its authentic menu inspired by Sicilian cuisine. The restaurant offers a selection of stone-baked pizzas, pastas, and meat and fish dishes, which have earned widespread acclaim.

The restaurant’s remarkable journey began in 2019 when owner Lulzim Culaj took over. Despite having no prior experience in hospitality, Culaj combined his managerial expertise with a business partner familiar with the industry to revitalise the struggling eatery, originally established in 2012. Their efforts have transformed Giuliano into a community favourite and a nationally celebrated venue.

This latest accolade comes after a rigorous competition process, including public voting and mystery shopper evaluations. It follows Giuliano’s 2022 win as the Best Restaurant in Cheshire at the same awards.

With a five-star rating on TripAdvisor based on over 600 reviews and a Travellers’ Choice 2024 award, Giuliano is also ranked as the top restaurant in the Handforth area, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit dining spot.

Picture credit: Giuliano